Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 239

Chapter 239 Farewell 

Edwin covered his mouth and laughed, winking at Dari “Mm. Refined on the inside.” 

ས ཛཱ 24%.. 

Finished 

Dario quickly glanced at Ava beside him. Seeing that she showed no reaction and was quietly eating, his irritation flared. “Malory, if you don’t know how to use phrases, then don’t use them. What do you mean ‘big and rough? This is called having masculine presence.” 

Malory gave him a once–over. “You’re tall and broad–built. Calling you big and rough isn’t wrong. I was praising you. Tch. You can’t even understand that.” 

Edwin laughed even harder. Even Linden, watching the two bicker, had a faint smile at the corner of his mouth. 

Elmer pulled a harmonica from his pocket, raised it to his lips, and began to play softly. Before long, a bright, flowing tune filled the air. 

Holly cleared her throat. “Elmer, give me some backup. I’ll sing a song.” 

Elmer nodded at once and asked what she wanted to sing. 

Soon, Holly’s voice rang out. For someone who usually spoke in an affected, cutesy tone around guys, her singing voice was unexpectedly sweet and clear. 

Even though the three girls had stopped talking to each other after the tent fight last time, Ava had to admit that Holly sang well. Her voice was genuinely pleasant, far better than that forced tone she used when speaking. 

When Holly finished, cheers erupted. Another boy, Chase Harmon, stepped forward to sing. His voice was loud and full–bodied, lifting the mood even higher. 

Malory got swept up in the excitement. She tossed aside the skewer of barbecue she hadn’t finished and ran into the center, dancing freely. Her loose hair flew wildly as she moved, her whole body radiating a fierce, untamed beauty. This dance was far more captivating than the sultry routine she’d done during basic training. 

Ava watched, utterly absorbed. The night was beautiful. There was no fine wine, but there were beautiful people, music, and dancing. Everything that mattered was here. It was pure enjoyment. 

Seven days passed in the blink of an eye. In the end, their team did not waste the hardship of the journey and reached the finish line smoothly. They weren’t the first to arrive, but they still placed within the top three. 

The wilderness survival challenge concluded successfully. Aside from a few individuals who had been evacuated early for health reasons, nearly every team made it to the end. No one quit halfway. 

Back at the training grounds, Ava had barely stepped off the vehicle when she spotted Laurent standing by the roadside. 

He was looking at her as well. 

Ava glanced at him, blinked, and then turned her head away. 

Laurent noted that, aside from looking a bit more worn than before, she seemed healthy and uninjured. A 

18:16 Sat, Jan 24 R 

Chapter 239 Farewell 

faint smile curved his lips. After catching her signal, he quickly shifted his gaze elsewhere. 

24% 

Finished 

Jasper, standing nearby, watched the two of them and thought to himself, They really are good at keeping things under wraps. 

The rest of the trainees returned one after another, cach team’s instructor calling roll. 

The moment Zoey saw Ava, she sprinted over and threw her arms around Ava’s shoulders. “Ava, I missed you so much!” 

Ava looked at her. Zoey seemed worn out, with dark circles under her eyes. “How were the last few days?” 

Zoey shook her head hard. “Awful. Absolutely awful. I didn’t eat well, I didn’t sleep well. My god, I don’t even know how I survived.” 

Then, she studied Ava’s face. “You look pretty good, though. Seems like you had it easy in your team?” 

Ava just smiled without answering. 

Naomi and Noelle walked over arm in arm. When Naomi saw Zoey clinging to Ava like a koala, she immediately stepped in and tugged on Zoey’s arm. “Let go. You’re hanging all over her. How uncomfortable do you think that is?” 

Zoey huffed and reluctantly released her. 

Naomi immediately lunged forward and wrapped Ava in a hug. “Ava, I missed you so much.” 

Zoey was startled. 

Noelle watched them with a lazy smile. “Naomi, have some shame. In front of everyone, you and Zoey are fighting for attention. Isn’t that embarrassing?” 

Zoey muttered, “Naomi, you’ve got some nerve saying that. You’re doing the same thing. Let go of her already.” 

Naomi refused, and the two started bickering. 

Ava wore an expression of utter despair. She looked at the two of them, then at Noelle enjoying the show. “If you’re going to argue, could you at least let go of me first?” 

Ivan looked at the young, lively faces before him. Though they were dusty and travel–worn, they seemed far more energetic than when they had first arrived. 

With their separation approaching, knowing they would return to school while he rejoined his unit, he felt a touch of reluctance. 

After a few brief words, Ivan dismissed everyone to have dinner. 

338